For much of the summer, part of the transfer talk surrounding United has been focused on the need to bring in a second right back. Now - at the conclusion of pre-season - many no longer believe this is necessary. There's one reason for this: Diogo Dalot.
It's three years since the 22 year-old joined United from Porto, and he's never before staked a huge enough claim to gain much involvement with the reds. However, since rejoining his United teammates for pre-season following a solid loan spell with AC Milan, he has really shown a desire to impress. Involvement in the Euros also saw his stocks rise, with a late inclusion in the Portuguese squad after Joao Cancelo tested positive for Covid-19; Nelson Semedo's injury subsequently saw Dalot gain some unexpected gametime in the closing stages of Portugal's admittedly underwhelming title defence.
The trust placed in him over the summer has undoubtedly provided a boost, with a high level pre-season following his post-season exploits diverting United's attention from Atletico Madrid's Kieran Trippier. Why spend up to 30 million on a 30 year old when we have a far younger and still quality right back in Dalot here, on our books? Rightly, interest in Trippier is reportedly diminishing - ultimately freeing funds to be placed towards more relevant areas (such as for signing a defensive midfielder).
It is becoming increasingly blatant that Dalot is a suitable option to offer the perfect competition to propel Wan-Bissaka even further forward, whilst acting as a very capable deputy. His performance against Everton on Saturday proved exactly why he can be trusted at the highest level...
No doubt, Dalot has benefitted greatly from his time with AC Milan - making 33 appearances across both the Serie A and in cup competitions such as the Europa League last season. Often, he has been scrutinised for the defensive aspects of his game. However - at the weekend - he actually proved extremely defensively aware (following a slight error of judgement previously against Brentford, though I'm sure that can be excused for rust on his return). Physically, he seems to be developing well too; on a few occasions during his second half cameo against Everton, he very effectively used his body to crucially restore or maintain possession. Overall - I have to say - it seems there have been real improvements within his defending.
Obviously, it's very difficult to be as superior defensively as somebody of Wan-Bissaka's caliber. Although, Dalot does seemingly offer more on the attacking front. The Portuguese international is very technically efficient, offering a balance of genuine quality and often also some flare. One speciality is his crossing ability, which was hailed to great extents during his time in his native country at Porto. Unquestionably, a striker of Cavani's echelon would thrive off poaching from Dalot's teasing deliveries - offering a similar creative threat to that from Shaw on the opposite flank.
Off the ball, Dalot's run-making is an exceptional feature of his game. There is a constant willingness to make forward, often overlapping runs; he is very happy to join and support the attack by committing forward and adding extra numbers in the final third. On average, he likes to be positioned higher up the pitch than Wan-Bissaka. Higher positioning (similar to that of Shaw on the left) increases the support for the wingers, with the overload meaning more stubborn defences can be broken down with less difficulty.
When it comes to being in possession in the final third, Dalot is considerably more natural than most in his position. As I mentioned in relation to crossing, he can certainly produce an end product. There is also a clear confidence to take players on where possible, with an impressively direct approach and sometimes quite skillful output in offensive areas. Ultimately, this really aids his bid to reach advanced areas and engineer more opportunities.
Against teams who require quality to be broken down, Dalot really could be the man. Otherwise, he is certainly a viable option for backup to Wan-Bissaka - whilst also being able to give excellent competition for the current number one right back.
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